New York Senate will vote on gay marriage Friday
Fri. June 24, 2011 5:01 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
Albany, New York -
In a statement sent to the media, New York Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos confirms that the Senate will vote on same-sex marriage tonight, reports Albany television station WTEN.
In the statement, Skelos wrote:
"After many hours of deliberation and discussion over the past several weeks among the members, it has been decided that same sex marriage legislation will be brought to the full Senate for an up or down vote.
"The entire Senate Republican Conference was insistent that amendments be made to the Governor's original bill in order to protect the rights of religious institutions and not-for-profits with religious affiliations. I appreciate the Governor's cooperation in working with us to address these important issues and concerns.
"As I have said many times, this is a very difficult issue and it will be a vote of conscience for every member of the Senate."
New York State Senate Republicans and Democrats are right now in private sessions according to WTEN.
A live stream of the New York State Senate is available here.
In the statement, Skelos wrote:
"After many hours of deliberation and discussion over the past several weeks among the members, it has been decided that same sex marriage legislation will be brought to the full Senate for an up or down vote.
"The entire Senate Republican Conference was insistent that amendments be made to the Governor's original bill in order to protect the rights of religious institutions and not-for-profits with religious affiliations. I appreciate the Governor's cooperation in working with us to address these important issues and concerns.
"As I have said many times, this is a very difficult issue and it will be a vote of conscience for every member of the Senate."
New York State Senate Republicans and Democrats are right now in private sessions according to WTEN.
A live stream of the New York State Senate is available here.